New Speedy Lohr's returns to old business

Tuesday

Jun 25, 2013 at 3:08 PM

When someone announces plans to open a barbecue restaurant in Lexington, people are skeptical at best. But when the restaurant's name is Speedy Lohr's, then you are talking about a totally different situation.

BY SHARON MYERSThe Dispatch

When someone announces plans to open a barbecue restaurant in Lexington, people are skeptical at best. But when the restaurant's name is Speedy Lohr's, then you are talking about a totally different situation. Randy Lohr and his wife, Amy, have partnered with Ricky Myers and his wife, Allison, to reopen the former Whitley's Restaurant on N.C. Highway 8 in south Lexington. The restaurant, which opened June 3, has a familiar name in remembrance of Randy's father, Sherman "Speedy" Lohr, whose original restaurant was a fixture in Southmont for many years. That location closed when the State of North Carolina bought it to expand N.C. Highway 8 in 2005."It's a family tradition to cook pig," Lohr said. "We've been doing it for years and years, so we know what we're doing."Lohr's brother owns the popular Speedy Lohr's on N.C. Highway 150 in Arcadia.Myers, who worked for Lohr's dad at the old place at High Rock Lake in Southmont, said he was excited to start a new partnership with an old friend. "When Randy asked if I would be interested in opening up the restaurant, I jumped at the chance," he said. "We both have been eyeballing that place for awhile.Whitley's first closed in April 2010 when co-owner Mark Thompson died in a motorcycle accident. Robert Morris, owner of the C's Barbecue restaurant chain in Mocksville, operated it until November of that year. More recently the location operated as Hendrix Barbecue, co-owned by brothers Billy and Timmy Garris of Salisbury, until closing several months ago.Both owners agree that the family name and familiar location has worked to their advantage. "We have gotten a lot of support from the people of Southmont," Lohr said. "We've had lots of hugs and kisses, and one person even broke down and cried. I guess they've missed us."Myers said that even though there is still competition in Lexington when it comes to owning a barbecue restaurant, he has no worries about their success."They might come for the name," he said, "but they stay for the food. We've got the best pit-cooked barbecue in town."Speedy Lohr's is located at 3664 N.C. Highway 8 and is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. The phone number is 242-9195.Sharon Myers can be reached at 249-3981, ext, 228 or at sharon.myers@the-dispatch.com.